Reusable Planet Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Sustainable Flowers in Australia
Author: Rachel Date Posted:28 January 2025
Do you like to give flowers on special occasions? Why not? Who doesn’t love flowers? It’s pretty easy to stop by a florist or supermarket and grab a bunch of lovely smelling flowers. With a market valued at $1.1 Billion annually in Australia alone, plenty of people do.
But… not all bunches are created equal! Many come with hidden environmental costs, and choosing the right bunch can make all the difference.
Here's what you need to know to make sure your blooms are as kind to the planet as they are to your loved ones (short of plucking them from your own garden).
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The Truth About Cut Flowers
Did you know? Over 50% of flowers sold in Australia are imported, and this figure skyrockets to 90% during peak times like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, according to the Australian Flower Traders Association.
On Valentine’s Day alone, Australians buy 5 million roses. That’s a staggering number, but it comes with some not-so-romantic drawbacks. Popular options like roses and supermarket bouquets often come from faraway countries such as Kenya, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Why Imported Flowers Are Problematic
1. High Carbon Miles Transporting flowers thousands of kilometres significantly increases their carbon footprint, making imported blooms far less eco-friendly than locally grown ones.
2. Chemical Fumigation Imported flowers can be a biosecurity risk, which means fumigation. That’s a chemical bath to ensure no pests and diseases are hitching a ride. Chemicals like methyl bromide, which is an ozone depleting gas and a controlled substance that has dire health implications for humans if inhaled (hello, smelling flowers!).
3. No Fragrance Imported flowers are often bred for their appearance rather than their scent. While they may look stunning, they often lack the natural fragrance we associate with fresh flowers. And after fumigation, would you even want to smell them?
4. Labour Concerns Imported flowers can come from countries with questionable working conditions. By choosing these blooms, we may unknowingly support unethical practices.
5. Impact on Local Farmers Imported flowers have put significant pressure on Australian growers, forcing many small, sustainable farmers out of the market.
How to Tell if Your Flowers Are Local?
It’s not always easy to identify Australian-grown flowers, but these tips can help:
- Ask Your Florist: A reputable florist should know where their flowers are sourced. Don’t be shy - ask if they’re locally grown.
- Buy Seasonal Blooms: Don’t fall for northern hemisphere trends. Like fresh produce, flowers in season are more likely to be locally grown.
- Check Supermarkets: Many supermarket flowers are imported, but some chains have “Aussie Grown” sections. Look for them!
- Avoid Barcodes on Plastic Sleeves: This is often a sign of mass importation.
- Steer Clear of Unnatural Colours: Bunches with brightly dyed or spray-painted flowers (even leaves and stems) are typically imported.
Fun fact: Woolworths has come under fire for selling spray-painted flowers, claiming the “trend may not be to everyone’s taste”.
Support Sustainable Australian Growers
According to the Flower Industry Australia, some local growers have come up with their own Australian-grown label, as they continue to mount pressure on the Federal Government to mandate country-of-origin labelling for imported flowers.
You can support local farmers using sustainable practices directly, like 302 Flowers – Based in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria or Curlew Ridge – Located in Woodford, SE Queensland. Both offer stunning, chemical-free blooms that are kind to the planet and support local businesses, deliveries and pick-your-own days.
The Problem With Dried Flowers
Think dried flowers are a better option? Think again. Dried blooms often undergo one or more of the following: Heat Treatment | Bleaching | Anti-Mould Chemical Treatments | Plastic Coating. These processes might preserve their appearance, but they’re not doing the planet any favours.
Final Thoughts
So next time you’re buying flowers, first ask if they are Australian-grown. Buying local not only reduces your carbon and pollution footprint, but also keeps your money supporting our local economy and local growers.
Or get something else entirely! Flowers aren’t your only option. Why not consider:
- Potted Plants: A long-lasting, low-waste alternative.
- Eco-Friendly Pamper Kits: Filled with sustainable, feel-good products.
- DIY Gifts: Handmade treasures always add a personal touch.
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All our blog articles written by Rachel or our Guest Bloggers are well researched and written by a real human person. We hope you have been informed, educated or entertained.
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